Currently

Happy Black Friday loves! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family! Mine was spent making delicious food, catching up with family, watching football, and getting a visit from my best friend! The day could not have been more perfect and left me feeling so grateful for all that I have been given and am continued to be blessed with. Rather then posting about the various Black Friday sales, I am choosing to participate in Anne's currently post. I thought it was the perfect way to recap all the things I am currently thankful for and thinking about...

Making: nothing as of now, I am hoping to start a few DIY Christmas gifts in the next few weeks!

Cooking: yet again nothing- the night before Thanksgiving my mom, gram, and I stayed up so late cooking everything for Thursday that I think I am exhausted from cooking for a bit.

Drinking: dark roast coffee with a bit of almond milk

Reading: Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Wanting: a pair of Hunter boots for the upcoming snow/rainy season.

Looking: at my sweet dog, Corduroy. I love getting to come home and see his cute face!

Playing: Lately I have been majorly on a Frank Sinatra kick. He's always been a favorite of mine, especially around the holidays.

Sewing: that would definitely be a no, not a sewer.

Wishing: I didn't have to head back to Richmond and work tomorrow and Saturday. Spending these 2 days at home has been so nice and I am so sad I won't be home again until Christmas!

Enjoying: Still so exciting I was able to see my best friend, Alison last night! She and her boyfriend drove to my house after her own Thanksgiving and I could not be more grateful for the extra time with her!

Waiting: To go see the new Hunger Games movie! I can't wait to pick a day next week and make a movie date out of it.

Liking: The idea of having one more home game next weekend to watch the Pirates play! They play today at 12 and if they pull off a win they will host the CUSA Conference Championship next weekend! So happy to be off that weekend AND have another chance to cheer on the Pirates and catch up with friends!

Wondering: If I'll sneak out to a few of the sales today, really wanting to check Gap, Anthropologie, and Nordstroms Rack. 

Loving: The recipe I tried out for a new Thanksgiving appetizer- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aioli (recipe to come)

Hoping: I have a big staff meeting this upcoming week and will be presenting a lot of new ideas- I hopeful they are all received well!

Marveling: How much stuff I managed to bring home for a 2 day trip... I could stay home for a month with all these clothes I have. 

Needing: a Clarisonic... I used my mom's while I've been home and I love the way it leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed. 

Smelling: Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry... smells amazing. 

Wearing: Standard uniform these days consists of boots, leggings, shirt, and either my field or quilted jacket. 

Noticing: how things change the older you get. A few years ago I would have never missed the night before Thanksgiving shenanigans with my friends from home and definitely would have been up at the crack of dawn shopping today. Now I am so much more content spending the extra time with my family. 

Knowing: the drive back to Richmond is going to anything but fun. 

Thinking: about when I should face reality and head back to Richmond.

Bookmarking: Christmas DIY gifts

Wrapping: nothing yet- I need to get on my Christmas shopping!

Giggling: thinking about Corduroy barking and growling at the TV yesterday during the dog show. 

Feeling: cozy, blessed, content. 

There's no telling what the rest of the day has in store for me, maybe I'll hit up a few of the sales, maybe I won't get out of my PJs, or maybe I'll head out to meet friends to watch the Pirates play. No matter what I do, I am so thankful for these 2 days at home and eagerly awaiting Christmas to spent more time with my friends and family!

Yours truly, 

Emily

Give Thanks

Hope everyone's day is spent cherishing time with friends and family!

Yours truly,

Emily

Gifts For Her

Gifts For Her by ead0724 featuring C. Wonder

Gap pink purse / C Wonder monogrammed bangle bracelet / Kate Spade stud earrings / C Wonder scarve / Fresh lip care / Butter London nail polish / Butter London nail polish / Drinkware / C Wonder home decor

Yours truly,

Emily

Scenes From The Weekend

Monday Monday Monday... 

After such a fun weekend with friends and catching up, I am moving a bit slow today and already looking forward to getting off work later to crawl back in bed and hopefully be asleep by 8... yes I said it. This past weekend could not have been more fun and I am so grateful to have seen so many of my friends and celebrate a Pirates win! This is the first season in many we have beat BOTH UNC and NC State, needless to say Saturday included some major celebrating! Here's a view shots of the weekend...

So good to see all these ladies, already looking forward to see if we make it into a bowl game! 

Always good to see this guy!

Reunited with some of my best girlfriends!

Accurate some of the weekend. 

Needless to say I am exhausted and so thankful for the short work week and time to spend with more friends in family in just a few days! 

How did you spend your weekend?

Yours truly,

Emily

5 on Friday

Happy Friday friends! I don't think I've been happy to see Friday come in a longggg time. This week was rough and filled with not feeling well, long days, bad attitudes, and a general not good week. Luckily I am off today and will be heading down to my favorite state for a mini reunion with my college friends for the ECU vs. NC state game! I am so so excited to see every one and think it will be a great weekend! Let's get stated on this weeks 5 on Friday...

{one}

As I mentioned before, I am SO excited to be reunited with this crowd this weekend to cheer on the Pirates! We have a party bus planned for Saturday and it will be so great to catch up with everyone. 

{two}

This week I was pretty lazy with cooking, as in I leftovers way too much. Last night I finally got myself in order and made a delicious meal- salmon, brown rice, and asparagus... it was amazing and felt good to be eating something that was actually good for me. 

{three}

This time next week I am hoping to have scored some good Christmas presents from Black Friday sales! Last year my best friend and I went to the outlets around midnight and I am thinking we may pull the same crazy thing this year. 

{four}

My post is a little late today because I just finished up another great class at BOHO! If you live in the Richmond area and have not yet tried BOHO you can use the code "BOHO1FREE" to receive a free class! I am LOVING these classes and already looking forward to my next one!

{five}

I've been a bit of a negative nancy about this week and I think it's important and I refresh my mind and prepare for a great weekend and time with family and friends next week. Always be thankful for what you have been given and take a second each day to realize how lucky and blessed  you are in this life. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily

Thoughts for Thursday...

How did another week fly by and this will only be my second post...these past few weeks have been insane and I apologize for the lack of posting! Here's a few reason's it has been a little quiet around here...

- I started a new medicine on Monday and it has made my crazy nauseous, to the point where I left work early one day, talk about no fun.

- I've also had terrible cramps this week and have fallen asleep with my heating pad every night. 

- Last night I was in bed before 8... judge away.

-I've only worked out once this week.... there I said it.

- After being out of town last weekend and preparing to go out of town again this weekend, I am a bit overwhelmed by everything I have to do before leaving tomorrow. 

- My to do list includes a trip to Sephora, quick manicure, pack, and hopefully and eyebrow appointment... all before 12 tomorrow!

-This week I have been living off of the most random things like trailmix tacos (recipe to come), hard boiled eggs, and veggies with hummus. Oh and one giant order of spaghetti that's pretty much lasted me all week.

- I could not be more excited to head home next week and see my family for Thanksgiving! 

- My black Friday plans are still up in the air between outlet shopping or just relaxing at home with mom, both sound pretty good to me. 

And just for laughs...

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Yours truly, 

Emily

Monday's Mantra

A little inspiration for the week...

Yours truly, 

Emily

5 on Friday

Thank y'all for being so patient with me over the past week- the blog truly got away from me as did many other things like grocery shopping, working out, and possibly my sanity. I am excited to be back to blogging and especially participating in my favorite link up- 5 on Friday! 

Here is a bit of what I have been up to over the past week...

{one}

Richmond was a bit late on the changing leaf color but now that they have... the colors are absolutely breath taking. The temps have definitely cooled down but I have loved having these beautiful trees to look at on my way to work down Monument Ave.

{two}

Last week I attended another class at Boho Cycle Studio and yet again was blown away. I absolutely LOVED Jo the instructor and can't wait to take her class again. Our sprint song was to Raining Men... talk about sprinting for a cause. Boho was also nice enough to honor any Richmond bloggers with a few free classes during the month of November! If you live in Richmond and have a blog... I highly suggest you sign up!

{three}

Last weekend I attended the wedding of my sweet friend Lauren! She looked absolutely beautiful and I could not be more happy for her and Scott. Above is the beautiful bride, myself, and few other nurses from my floor. 

Shoes: Target Dress: Nordsroms 

{four}

This week I also got my first red cup of the season! Still hanging onto the PSL but thrilled for it to be in a holiday cup!

{five}

No I was not drunk while painting my nails, which might have been your first guess. I am constantly harping on how lucky I am to have the job that I do and this week I truly felt blessed to work with such amazing patients and families. Not only did one of my patients paint my nails but also styled my hair and told me she can't wait for her hair to grow back to be as pretty as mine.... yes I cried. I counted my blessings extra this week and it has left me feeling extremely grateful and ready to see what the weekend has in store for me. 

How did you spend your week?

Yours truly, 

Emily

Time flies...

Happy Thursday friends! I can't believe it has been OVER a week since my last post! I truly apologize for letting the blog front suffer but I promise this past week has been insane! I am definitely looking forward to participating in tomorrow's 5 on Friday to update y'all on what I have been up to! 

Until then...

Yours truly, 

Emily

To Chop it or Not

Before making my big move to Richmond, I decided I wanted a fresh start and made the decision to chop my hair off. I've always had super long hair but had thinking about cutting it for so long but could never commit to actually doing it. One day I decided enough was enough and I made the appointment to cut my hair. I may sound a little dramatic but it honestly was a HUGE decision for me and definitely put me outside my comfort zone. When the time came for my actual appointment, I didn't cry or have a huge meltdown, it was very relaxed and felt almost therapeutic. Now almost a year and half later I'm back at the tough decision to chop it off or let it keep growing. My hair is by no means as long as it once was, but we are definitely at the awkward stage or growing it out. Here are a few pictures of my hair and different stages...

My sweet little and myself before the chop!

Long long long

Post a few weeks after moving to Richmond

Even went a little shorter at one point

Finally growing out and long enough to curl!

Taken this past weekend (not judging my costume) Hair is the longest its been since I cut it but also very thick and heavy. 

So should I keep throwing this mane out of make the chop?

Yours truly,

Emily

Monday's Mantra

Happy Monday loves!

Yours truly,

Emily

5 on Friday

Y'all... not going to lie, I was a little nervous this day would never get here! This week at the hospital was absolutely crazy, aka me working close to 12 hour days every day! Luckily I am off today before I head back to work tomorrow and Sunday and have a hefty to-do list to complete. Not a fan of when my days off are spent running errands but hey gotta do it. Being that this week was so crazy, I unfortunately have nothing too exciting to share so I thought I would share all the fun things I am looking forward to now that it's November!

{one}

If you live in Richmond, this picture needs no explanation. This weekend I will be going to The National to see one of my favorite local bands- Three Sheets! Not only will I just be going to a concert but a costume ball- I plan to dress as a walk of shame... judge away but its way too easy to throw together.

{two}

Next weekend is wedding weekend for this sweet girl! Lauren was one of my first friends when I moved to Richmond and I could not be more excited for her and Scott. I will be attending both the rehearsal dinner and ceremony and am so honored they have asked me to be involved in both festivities.

{three}

In a few weeks I'll be heading back down to Raleigh to see these girls for the ECU/NC State game. It has been way too long and I know it will be a great weekend full of catching up, wine, and pirate football!

{four}

Now that November is here, I am officially on a countdown of when I will be heading home for Thanksgiving to see my family. I missing these two ladies too much and can't wait to get home and spend time with them. (Yes that's me when my hair was long, it looks so different!)

{five}

As you all have heard me talk about before, the past few weeks at work have been tough. I've been working lots of long hours and lots of weekends. I love my job and I am so blessed to work with such amazing patients and families but there comes a time when I need to step back and reevaluate. Life has been so stressful lately, especially while waiting to hear back form grad school. I'm hoping over the next few weeks life will lighten up a bit and I will have some good news and be in a better spot. For now, here's to keeping my head up and staying positive!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily